“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.” Lamentations 3:21-22
2025 is hours away from its conclusion, and year-end review lists are everywhere, covering virtually every topic you can imagine.
Best Movies of 2025. Best Funny Videos. Top Stories of the Year. 2025 Top Events that Shaped Our World. Best Books of 2025. Best Albums of the Year. TIME Special Edition-Year in Review 2025. Top Ten Public Policy Issues of 2025. The Best, the Worst, the Most Unforgettable, and the Most Forgettable all have multiple versions covering a variety of subjects.
“Remember the wondrous works that He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He uttered.” Psalm 105:5 ESV
The end of the year is a time to remember and reflect on the past twelve months: things accomplished, things left undone, losses, gains, joys, and sorrows. Reviewing the past can be a healthy and effective way to prepare to ring in the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and resolve.
I’m not suggesting that you dwell on or get mired down by your past, but God does tell us to remember the past so that we can learn from our mistakes, praise God for our spiritual victories, and rejoice in the many ways that God has led, taught, and grown us over the past months.
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11 ESV
Years ago, I resolved to begin each day journaling my praises and statements of thanksgiving alongside my daily Bible reading and prayer time. The simple act of reminding myself, by writing each day, of the prior day’s “God activities” – both large and small, cemented those reminders in my spirit.
Over time, those reminders have built a deepening reservoir of gratitude and love for God’s amazing goodness in my life, through victories, sorrows, good times, and dark days—reminders that through it all, God has made His presence known.
When challenges and discouragement arise, I quickly turn to that reservoir for refreshment and encouragement. And I am reminded that:
- God is still in control.
- I am still His child.
- He will never leave me or forsake me.
- No one, in Heaven or on Earth, can tear me away from His loving embrace.
- And God is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow, and for all eternity.
At the end of 2026, a new set of year-in-review lists will be generated. Most, if not all, of the 2025 “best and worst” will be long forgotten. But God’s work in my life will be chronicled in my praise and thanksgiving journal, and it will be forever engraved on my heart.
So, my dear friend, as this year draws to a close, I encourage you to review and remember all that God has done for you, in you, and through you in 2025.
Be thankful and praise Your loving Father. Prepare your heart and mind for the New Year, which will bring new challenges, new opportunities, and new blessings. Whatever God has in store for you, He will be with you every step of the way.
“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns!'”
“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!”
1 Chronicles 16:31, 34 ESV